Project Management
Weekly Progress Reports (see sidebar), the Gantt chart, and this Project Management page should be printed out before meetings with the sponsor and instructor.
All team members should be able to explain all items on the progress report.
Place a "*" at the beginning of the title of the active week Progress Report (see * in sidebar).
Project Objectives
Concisely list and prioritize the project objectives and constraints
High Priority Objectives
Design load frame according to listed constraints
Build functioning hardware prototype by end of Spring Quarter
Second Priority Objectives
Develop software control for load frame
Develop user interface for software control
Enclose electronics (print circuit, hide wiring)
Other Constraints and Issues
Load Frame must fit inside the NRS-5100
Maximum 300 mm long, 135 mm wide, and 29 mm high
Grip gauge length must be at least 10 mm
Minimum resolution is 25 micrometers per step
WOW Design Solution
A load frame that can apply uniaxial strain to several types of thin films, using digital control applied in steps of 0.25% of total applied strain. Digital software control with GUI.
Risk Reduction Strategy
List areas of risk and strategy that will be used to eliminate risk really in the design process.
Frame bending/deformation under stress
Grip distance (strain) verification sensor
Potential calibration methods in software control
Two guiding rails to minimize bending moments
Clamps in-line with uniaxial motion to minimize bending moments
Low holding torque on motor
Use gearbox to increase torque
Intermediate Milestones
Identifying meaningful intermediate milestones is a critical for effective project management. Together with your sponsor identify such milestones, and specify specific performance requirements you aim to meet at each milestone.
CAD Model and FEA by Week 2
Confirm material selection and strain requirements met
Develop GUI by Week 4
User friendly design with LabVIEW
First prototype completed by Week 5
Proof of concept
Ability to apply desired strains
Determine final prototype design/parts by Week 6
Consider adjustments and improvements
Final design constructed by Week 9